German shipping company Reederei Bernd Sibum has ordered four Combi Freighters (CF) 3850 from Damen Shipyards.
Scheduled for delivery in early 2026, these ships are hybrid-ready and, according to Damen, aimed at enhancing the sustainability, efficiency and lifespan of Reederei Bernd Sibum’s fleet.
The four CF 3850 vessels feature an enhanced design platform which offers a 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over current generation vessels. They are also capable of running on biofuels and can be equipped with wind-assist technology.
The ships are fitted with a set of batteries used by the bow thruster for peak shaving and port operations. They are also primed for a battery-powered propulsion system and an upgraded shore power connection.
Built at Damen Yichang Shipyard in China, the vessels are designed and engineered in Drachten, the Netherlands. Once delivered, they will operate in the northwest European shortsea shipping market.
The CF 3850 complies with the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines and port state obligations, ensuring it remains flexible to emerging technologies and future environmental standards.
“Together, we’ve ensured these ships are future-proofed to adopt upcoming innovations as soon as they are ready for the shipping market,” said Bernd Sibum, managing director of Reederei Bernd Sibum. “This investment is a major step toward decarbonisation, but we now also urge ports and the broader shipping industry to develop and implement the necessary shore-based infrastructure. We are confident these vessels will set a new market standard, both now and in the years to come,” he added.
Remko Bouma, commercial director of Damen cargo vessels, said: “We strongly believe the hybrid ready CF 3850 will serve and sustain their [Reederei Bernd Sibum’s] business and the short sea market well into the future. These reliable and modular vessels represent a smart investment in the future of sustainable shipping. We build them to last.”
